Travelogue: Mandurah, Western Australia
Mandurah is about a 55-minute drive south from Perth city center. If York is a vintage town nestled among the wheat fields of Western Australia's interior, then Mandurah is a water town hidden along the estuary—perfect for a one-day road trip south of Perth.
The Peel-Harvey Estuary system is a sprawling network where waterways wind like small canals between residential areas. Many homes have direct access to the water with private jetties, and almost every household keeps a small boat. Free from the bustle of the big city, the local lifestyle revolves around boating and coastal strolls—it’s authentic Western Australian seaside living and the absolute first stop you must make in Mandurah.
The activity I look forward to most in Mandurah is spotting wild dolphins. Hundreds of bottlenose dolphins live in this estuary year-round, forming one of the largest resident pods in Western Australia, so your chances of spotting them are quite high. If you want to try your luck, you can stroll along the boardwalk at Dolphin Quay and wait patiently by the shore; you might just catch them rolling and chasing each other in the water. For a better success rate, I recommend a canal dolphin-watching cruise. On a 75-minute voyage, you’ll wind through the canals, admiring the waterfront villas while following the dolphins' path. If you’d rather stay on land, just wander along the boardwalk at the foreshore. Feeling the salty breeze from the estuary and watching pelicans and seabirds glide low over the water is slow-paced and incredibly relaxing.
The hottest attraction in Mandurah right now is the Giants of Mandurah trail, a must-visit for almost every traveler. Danish artist Thomas Dambo used recycled wood to create six giant wooden sculptures, hidden throughout the wetlands, eucalyptus forests, and coastal areas around the town. Each giant is vividly designed and comes with its own little story. As you hike through the woods, turning a corner to suddenly find a ten-meter-tall giant standing silently among the trees is a feeling of wonder that’s hard to describe.
The Santi Ikto giant is the most photographed, positioned right by the coastline. The entire trail is very easy, mostly flat, and suitable for both the elderly and children. Remember to check the map and plan your route in advance—you don't have to find all the giants in one go; encountering them by chance is much more fun.
The Foreshore is the main recreational hub of Mandurah and a local gathering spot. It features large, flat lawns with designated picnic areas under the shade of trees, plus free public barbecue grills. On weekends, many families bring food for picnics while children play in the nearby playground. With a row of cafes and seafood restaurants along the shore, trying the local blue swimmer crab is a must—the meat is plump, sweet, and a true local specialty. During the Crab Fest in March, the waterfront is filled with food stalls and live music, making the whole town come alive. In the December Christmas season, the houses along the canals are adorned with colorful lights; taking a night cruise to see the illumination on both sides creates a truly magical atmosphere.
After exploring the town center, if you have time, take a walk along Silver Sands Beach. Unlike other wild, wave-swept beaches in Western Australia, the water here is relatively calm, and the sand is fine and white, making it perfect for wading or taking a stroll along the shore. You can also rent a kayak to paddle deep into the canals, experiencing the crisscrossing waterways up close and quietly observing the houses and wetlands along the banks.
Mandurah has a completely different character from York. York offers century-old stone architecture, wheat fields, and history; Mandurah is all about the estuary, canals, wild dolphins, and wetland art, offering a laid-back, lifestyle-focused seaside vibe. Whether you stop here for half a day or a full day on your drive south from Perth, slowing down to walk by the water, trying your luck at spotting dolphins, or searching for the wooden giants in the forest makes for a truly wonderful journey.
TIPS:
1. It takes about 55 minutes to drive from Perth; you can also take a direct train to the town center, as public transport is convenient.
2. Dolphins are wild animals; spotting them from the shore is a matter of luck, while a cruise offers more reliable sightings.
3. The giant sculptures are quite spread out; don't venture too far into remote wetlands, and watch your step on the trails.
4. There are plenty of mosquitoes in the estuary wetlands, so remember to bring mosquito repellent for your hike.
If you would like to learn more about traveling in Western Australia:
